The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting and hearing on, January 28 to hear input about Tri-County Landfill Inc’s proposal to expand its municipal waste landfill operations in Pine and Liberty townships, Mercer County.

A 6 p.m. public meeting will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. hearing at Grove City High School at 511 Highland Ave. in Grove City, Mercer County.

The company’s proposal for expanding landfill operations in its existing 99-acre permitted disposal area includes the excavation and relocation of waste from an old 44.5-acre unlined area to new lined disposal cells. The facility would continue to operate at its current acceptance rate of 4,000 tons per day.

“During the meeting portion of the evening, company officials will answer questions about the project and DEP staff will clarify the application review process,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “Then, beginning at 7:30 p.m., area residents will have an opportunity to present oral testimony about the applications.”

The public is invited to comment on applications for four permits needed to construct and operate the landfill with additional disposal area: a Municipal Waste Landfill permit application; an Air Quality plan approval application for air emission sources; a Water Obstructions and Encroachments permit application; and a water quality Industrial Waste permit application.

Those who wish to present testimony are asked to register in advance by sending written notice to Gary Clark, Community Relations Coordinator, DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335. The notice should include the person's name, address and telephone number and indicate about which applications they will testify.

Individuals who register in advance will be given priority on the agenda. If time permits, those who did not register will be given the opportunity to testify.

The public will have the opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony during the hearing. Organizations are encouraged to designate one witness to present testimony on behalf of their group, and all presenters should bring three copies of their comments and exhibits for the hearing panel and stenographer.

Those with a disability who wish to comment and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodations should contact Gary Clark or the Pennsylvania AT&T relay service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the agency may accommodate their needs.

For those who prefer to only present their comments in writing or are unable to attend the hearing, written testimony may be submitted until the close of business on Feb. 8 to Staci Gustafson, Assistant Regional Director, DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.

A stenographer will record the hearing testimony and transcribe it into a written document. DEP will respond in writing to all relevant testimony provided during the public hearing and comment period.

1/21/2013